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Pembrolizumab

Phase 1

Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma | Monoclonal antibody | Oncology |Bicara Therapeutics Inc.|Last Updated: Apr 27, 2026

Target and mechanism

Molecular targetPDCD1
Target classInhibitor
ModalityMonoclonal antibody

Also known as Pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA®)

Success Probability

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Market & Valuation

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Trial Design

CONTROLLEDDMCBiomarker
Total Trials1
Total Enrollment45

FDA Designations

No designations recorded

Clinical trial landscape

Pembrolizumab · 1 trial · 2 indications

Phase 1 1
NCT07552558Ficerafusp Alfa, Pembrolizumab, and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
NOT YET_RECRUITING45 Analytics
PHASE1NOT YET_RECRUITING
Ficerafusp Alfa, Pembrolizumab, and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)
Head and Neck Squamous Cell CarcinomaUnlock trial analytics

Study Endpoints

Primary Endpoints

Phase I only: Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of SBRT in combination with pembrolizumab plus ficerafusp alfa
From start of treatment until date of surgery (total estimated time of 7 weeks)

The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) is defined as the highest dose level at which 0 or 1 patients of a cohort experience dose-limiting toxicity during the dose limiting toxicity (DLT) window. DLTs are defined in the protocol.

Phase II only: Rate of pathologic complete response (pCR)
At the time of surgery (estimated to be week 7)

Response will be defined according to the systematic pTR system. pTR is defined as the presence of tumor cell necrosis and keratinous debris with giant cell/histiocytic reaction, quantified as a percentage of the overall tumor bed (area pathologic response/area pathologic response plus viable tumor). pCR is defined as follows: 100% of sample characterized by tumor necrosis, keratinous debris, and/or giant cells/histiocytes

Secondary Endpoints

Phase II only: Number and types of Adverse Events (AEs)
From start of treatment through 5 years after completion of treatment (estimated to be 5 years and 2 months)
Phase II only: Pathological response rate (PRR)
At time of surgery (estimated to be week 7)
Phase II only: Event-free survival (EFS)
From start of treatment through 5 years after completion of treatment (estimated to be 5 years and 2 months)
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Study Design & Arms

AllocationNON_RANDOMIZED
MaskingNONE
ModelSEQUENTIAL
PurposeTREATMENT

Treatment Arms

ArmTypeDescription
Phase 1 Dose Level 1: Dose De-Escalation Neoadjuvant SBRT and pembrolizumab plus ficerafusp alfaEXPERIMENTALTreatment during the Phase 1 Level 1 consists of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) at 8 Gy x 3 fractions over one week (given on Days 1, 3, and 5), 2 doses of neoadjuvant pembrolizumab at 200 mg (given on D1 and D22), and 4 weekly doses of ficerafusp alfa at 750 mg (given on D1, D8, D15, and D22). Six weeks after end of SBRT, patients will undergo standard of care (SOC) surgical resection, or biopsy for patients who do not undergo resection, followed by standard of care (SOC) adjuvant chemoradiation per National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines.
Phase 1 Dose Level -1: Dose De-Escalation Neoadjuvant SBRT and pembrolizumab plus ficerafusp alfaEXPERIMENTALTreatment during the Phase 1 Level -1 consists of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) at 8 Gy x 3 fractions over one week (given on Days 1, 3, and 5), 1 dose of neoadjuvant pembrolizumab at 200 mg (given on D1), and 4 weekly doses of ficerafusp alfa at 750 mg (given on D1, D8, D15, and D22). Six weeks after end of SBRT, patients will undergo standard of care (SOC) surgical resection, or biopsy for patients who do not undergo resection, followed by standard of care (SOC) adjuvant chemoradiation per National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines.
Phase 1 Dose Level -2: Dose De-Escalation Neoadjuvant SBRT and pembrolizumab plus ficerafusp alfaEXPERIMENTALTreatment during the Phase 1 Level -2 consists of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) at 8 Gy x 3 fractions over one week (given on Days 1 and 4), 1 dose of neoadjuvant pembrolizumab at 200 mg (given on D1), and 4 weekly doses of ficerafusp alfa at 750 mg (given on D1, D8, D15, and D22). Six weeks after end of SBRT, patients will undergo standard of care (SOC) surgical resection, or biopsy for patients who do not undergo resection, followed by standard of care (SOC) adjuvant chemoradiation per National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines.
Phase 1 Dose Level -3: Dose De-Escalation Neoadjuvant SBRT and pembrolizumab plus ficerafusp alfaEXPERIMENTALTreatment during the Phase 1 Level -3 consists of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) at 8 Gy x 3 fractions over one week (given on Day 1), 1 dose of neoadjuvant pembrolizumab at 200 mg (given on D1), and 4 weekly doses of ficerafusp alfa at 750 mg (given on D1, D8, D15, and D22). Six weeks after end of SBRT, patients will undergo standard of care (SOC) surgical resection, or biopsy for patients who do not undergo resection, followed by standard of care (SOC) adjuvant chemoradiation per National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines.
Phase 2: Maximum Tolerable Dose (MTD) Neoadjuvant SBRT and pembrolizumab plus ficerafusp alfaEXPERIMENTALTreatment consists of SBRT beginning on D1 at the dose and number of fractions established in phase I, neoadjuvant pembrolizumab 200 mg at the number of doses established in phase I, and 4 weekly doses of ficerafusp alfa 750 mg (given on D1, D8, D15, and D22). Six weeks after end of SBRT, patients will undergo standard of care (SOC) surgical resection, or biopsy for patients who do not undergo resection, followed by standard of care (SOC) adjuvant chemoradiation per National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines.

Interventions

NameTypeDescription
Hypofractionated Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT)RADIATION1-3 fractions given over 1 week as assigned in phase I and as determined to be the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in phase II
PembrolizumabBIOLOGICAL200 mg intravenously (IV) given on Day 1 or Days 1 and 22 as assigned in phase I and as determined to be the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in phase II.
Ficerafusp alfaDRUG750mg intravenously (IV) on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22.
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Eligibility Criteria

Age Range18 Years to N/A
SexALL
Healthy VolunteersNo
Study Sites1

Inclusion Criteria: * Newly diagnosed histologically or cytologically confirmed locally advanced, OPC HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) or HNSCC arising from oral cavity, larynx, or hypopharynx. * Baseline resectable disease per the judgment of the treating surgical oncolog...

Countries:United States
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Frequently asked questions about Pembrolizumab

What is Pembrolizumab used for in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Pembrolizumab is an investigational monoclonal antibody being studied for use in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). It is currently in Phase 1 clinical development for this indication, with an active trial evaluating it in combination with ficerafusp alfa and stereotactic body radiotherapy.

Who is developing Pembrolizumab?

Pembrolizumab is being developed by Bicara Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company traded under the ticker BCAX. The company is conducting clinical trials to evaluate the drug's safety and efficacy in oncology, specifically for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

What phase is Pembrolizumab in?

Pembrolizumab is in Phase 1 clinical development. It is an investigational drug and has not yet been approved by regulatory authorities. The ongoing Phase 1 trial is designed to assess the drug in patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

What clinical trials is Pembrolizumab in?

Pembrolizumab is being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial with the identifier NCT07552558. The trial, titled "Ficerafusp Alfa, Pembrolizumab, and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)," is not yet recruiting and plans to enroll 45 participants in the United States.

Is Pembrolizumab the same as KEYTRUDA?

Yes, Pembrolizumab is also known as KEYTRUDA. The drug is being investigated under this name in clinical trials for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma, including the ongoing Phase 1 study NCT07552558.

What does Pembrolizumab target?

Pembrolizumab is a monoclonal antibody, classified under the -mab antibody target class. It is being studied for its role in oncology, specifically in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma, where it is combined with other therapies in clinical trials.